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This editorial was posted in the Speaking Out section of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper. It was written by WDKX's Andre' Marcel:
(February 27, 2008) - It's not often that I write a letter to the press, but because of comments made by Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn and others, directly or indirectly, about my radio station, WDKX-FM (103.9), I am inclined to have my say. Moreover, the partisan selection process for the Monroe County public defender also concerns me, as a community member and WDKX program director.
Recently, public officials made several comments connecting WDKX to the disruption of the meetings held to discuss the appointment.
Dan Quatro of Webster, Republican majority leader of the Monroe County Legislature, was quoted in several media outlets as saying that threats of violence were heard on the radio, and while he did not specify WDKX, we were the only station covering the Feb. 9 meeting.
O'Flynn, on another radio station, WHAM, said there was "chatter" on WDKX about potential violence, which was the catalyst for a show of police force at the Monroe County Office Building.
I have reviewed all of WDKX's audio from the last seven days. There was no "chatter" about potential violence. No threats were made.
On Feb. 9, during my weekly radio show, Memory Lane, the meeting at the county building was discussed.
The show is a community forum where we report on and talk about what's happening in our city. WDKX then sent a member of the "Jam Squad" to broadcast live from the Public Safety Committee meeting. Coverage included the arrest of three people.
On Feb. 12, WDKX advised the community that another meeting was taking place, this one to name the new public defender. There was an enormous turnout for this meeting, with many people incensed over the appointment process, but most significant was the overwhelming police presence, clearly intended to intimidate the public.
Quatro and O'Flynn's subsequent comments connecting WDKX with "chatter" of violence came under media scrutiny, and they have since back-pedaled, suggesting they can't reveal their sources. But the damage is done. Not only are such remarks inaccurate, they are inflammatory. "Chatter" suggests subversion and terrorism.
WDKX has been a good shepherd of our community since its creation in 1974.
We have always strived for broadcasting excellence, but more importantly, we take pride in being a family-owned and operated radio station, in these days of big-business radio. We embrace and uphold our community's values.
As a broadcaster, I am responsible to report and weigh all sides of a story. However, impartiality is nearly impossible when public officials make inflammatory statements to scapegoat our station.
Only one thing will remedy this situation: I'm ready for an equally public apology.
Marcel is program director, WDKX-FM (103.9).
